Minnesota finishes Islamic law compliant mortgages

In Minnesota, mortgages targeted to increase home ownership have been ended. Pawlenty ended the program upon learning that the program was compliant with Sharia law. The loan program only provided three mortgages between being set up by the Minnesota state housing agency and getting shut down by the governor. The mortgage program offered Shairia compliant loans that did not charge interest. Pawlenty cited constitutional religious protections when shutting down this program. Resource for this article – Sharia-compliant mortgage program in Minnesota ends by MoneyBlogNewz.

Minnesota avoiding paying interest

In early 2010, Minnesota’s state housing agency partnered with the African Development Center to create a loan program targeted toward low- to moderate-income individuals who follow Sharia law. Called “Islamic mortgages” or “Sharia mortgages,” these loans helped the borrower keep away from paying interest, which is against their religious law. The borrower would pay the state for the home at a higher rate than the state would buy the home. Payments are the exact same as a 30-year fixed mortgage would show. Still, there is no interest being paid on them. Another program that was meant to increase minority home ownership in Minnesota was the large program this came from.

Sharia loans are ridiculous according to governor Pawlenty

The Sharia loan program was one Governor Pawlenty found out about. He ordered that it stop immediately. This decision had several asking questions. Pawlenty's spokesperson said:

“This program was independently set up by the Minnesota state housing agency and did not make any mention of Sharia Law on its face, but was later described as accommodating it,” he wrote in an email. “As soon as Gov. Pawlenty became aware of the issue, he personally ordered it shut it down. The United States should be governed by the U.S. Constitution, not religious laws.”

A government decision on how tax dollars are spent comes only from the government. That is its right. The Sharia-compliant financial products aren't outlawed by the governor in this. There can't be state programs that support this. He doesn't think it is right.

Sharia law in accordance with a judge

Disputes can legally be settled with Sharia law for Muslims. This was what a Florida judge ruled in the courtroom. This decision has raised concern for several lawmakers. Several states are considering legislation that would ban the use of Sharia law; some commentators are calling the recognition of this religious law tantamount to “silent jihad” against the U.S.. The reality is, however, that the U.S. recognizes Christian, Jewish, Sharia and other religious laws as long as the laws don’t violate standing state and federal law. Sharia, along with other religious law, is not against the Constitution when it comes to obeying it. As long as the religion isn't being imposed on someone, it is fine. Pawlenty himself said, "The Constitution was designed to protect individuals of faith from government, not to protect government from individuals of faith." In the case of the Sharia-compliant mortgages, seems like that Pawlenty does not want his state taxp! ayer dollars used to offer home ownership to religiously compliant Islamic residents.

Citations

Swamp Land

swampland.blogs.time.com/2011/03/25/is-there-a-double-standard-in-tim-pawlentys-disavowal-of-sharia-compliant-mortgages/

Minnesota Public Radio

minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/02/28/islamicfinancing/?refid=0

Colorado short term installment loans bill HB 11-1290 up for debate

Payday loan lenders and the Colorado economy as a whole felt the pain when Colorado HB 10-1351 passed, in accordance with state Rep. Liston. In response to the controversial legislation, Colorado legislators have introduced HB 11-1290, which would fill the gap created when pay day loans were banned by requiring a full payment of origination fees up front, rather than allowing for a pro-rated amount should the client pay off their installment loan early. Article resource – Colorado short term installment loans bill HB 11-1290 up for debate by MoneyBlogNewz.

Getting Colorado House Bill 11-1290 to the committee

Introduced Friday on the floor of the legislature, Colorado House Bill 11-1290 might be debated as early as this week, reports the Colorado Statesman. The lender can make up to $75 on a maximum of $500 loaned after an short term installment loan origination fee of $20 for every $100 loaned up to $300 and $15 for every $100 loaned after that. In addition, a monthly maintenance of $7.50 per month per $100 and a finance charge of 45 percent can be charged according to Colorado law.

Loan providers suggest the full origination fee that HB 11-1290 supports is needed to continue business while Colorado loan providers cannot any longer do two-week payday advance loans.

HB 11-1290 sponsors predominantly voted against HB 10-1351

The legislation has 10 co-sponsors in the House, including Rep. Sue Schafer, D-Wheat Ridge, who voted "no" on HB 10-1351, also as Rep. Ed Casso, D-Commerce City, who favored HB 10-1351. U.S. Senate sponsors contain other anti-HB-1351 legislators for instance Sen. Mary Hodge, D-Brighton, and Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Adams County.

Said it is a technical correction

There are many Colorado supporters of House Bill 11-1290. They say that last year's HB 10-1351 is being corrected technically with the bill and origination fees. Rich Jones of the Bell Policy Center disagree:

"It’s an incentive for the lenders to get customers to pay off their loans early and then take out more loans," Jones told the Statesman Friday.

Articles cited

DORA

dora.state.co.us/Financial-Services/pdf_forms/Revised HB10-1351_2.pdf

State Bill Info

statebillinfo.com/bills/bills/11/1290_01.pdf

Colorado Statesman

coloradostatesman.com/content/992687-payday-lender-bill-being-fast-tracked-through-house

‘Steering Colorado’s economy back on course’

youtube.com/watch?v=3mHOl-S6F1s

Shortly, SSDI will go bankrupt

By 2005, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) fund was cashing checks its tax body couldn’t money. As almost half a million individuals went on Social Security past year, an obvious financial issue arises. This has led experts to predict that Social Security Disability Insurance will exhaust surplus funds in 4 to 7 years, states the Wall Street Journal.

Paying out $22 billion more than it makes with Social Security

By 2015, projections indicate that Social Security will spend $153 billion in benefits and other costs. That’s $22 billion more than it is expected to take in, underscoring a problem that many Americans will shortly face. It is expected that Medicare will last until 2029. The Social Security retirement fund is anticipated to go much longer to 2040. Government auditors explain that change has to happen. This is the only way that SSDI can be able to last more than seven years.

Social Security: Drowning in applicants

The Social Security program got more applicants than normal with the recession. There has been a huge increase in the last decade of the number of people getting Social Security. This number increased to 10.2 million individuals from 6.6 million. The Social Security Disability Insurance funds are needed by a lot of states and territories that the United States owns. In the last 10 years, there has been an 85 percent increase in Texas enrollment while, at the same time, New Hampshire has had a 69 percent growth. As a percentage of total population, West Virginia receives more Social Security Disability Insurance money than anywhere else.

Health troubles linked to manual labor are believed to be the cause, a common theme among states where agriculture and manufacturing are vital. Social Security is needed quite a bit in United States territories such as Puerto Rico considering military bases and factories keep closing. The highest joblessness is generally reported in these states also. Puerto Rico politics are another issue. There’s a lot of corruption.

Only allowed Social Security Disability Insurance if a doctor states so

Social Security and Medicare are both age-based programs. SSDI, on the other hand, is about medical opinion over other things. Local medical officials don't have any reasons to stop enrollment since somebody else pays for it. Government benefits are given with SSDI benefits although they are around $1,064 a month on average in 2009. Working class individuals end up picking up the tab. About $300,000 per person in these benefits with the additional programs are paid out to regular Social Security Disability Insurance patients, according to Massachusetts Institute of Technology's SSDI expert David Autor.

Is possible to have higher taxes?

In the short term, the only way Congress can save Social Security Disability Insurance without tax increases is to fold it to the main Social Security fund. Retirees would lose benefits pretty easily since the retirement fund would be lost. Nancy Altman is in the Social Security Works activist group. She claims something has to be done about this.

“This is a program of crucial importance to every working American and his or her family,” she said.

Citations

ssdi, social security, social security disability insurance, social security bankrupt

Where will Social Security Disability be in 4 years?

In 2005, the Social Security Disability Insurance fund began to dish out more money than it was bringing in via tax receipts. Considering that nearly half a million new Social Security recipients went on the dole last year, the impending issue is magnified. According to the Wall Street Journal, Social Security Disability Insurance will be empty in 7 years or fewer. Source of article – Social Security Disability Insurance may go dry in 4 years by MoneyBlogNewz.

Social Security will spend $22 billion more than it makes

There’s a $153 billion projection for Social Security on benefits and costs. This will hit by 2015. There will be a $22 billion deficit from what is being taken in. Americans are going to have to deal with this issue. It is expected that Medicare will last until 2029. The Social Security retirement fund is expected to go much longer to 2040. Government auditors explain that change has to happen. This is the only way that Social Security Disability Insurance will be able to last more than seven years.

Number of applications Social Security has

Due to the recession, more individuals have wanted Social Security. They have been applying like crazy. There has been a huge increase in the last decade of the number of individuals getting Social Security. This number increased to 10.2 million individuals from 6.6 million. The SSDI funds are needed by lots of states and territories that the United States owns. In the last 10 years, there has been an 85 percent increase in Texas enrollment while, at the same time, New Hampshire has had a 69 percent growth. Measuring the amount of Social Security Disability Insurance a state gets is done with the percentage of total population that has it. In this way, West Virginia gets more SSDI than any other state.

Health problems related to manual labor are believed to be the trigger, a common theme among states where agriculture and manufacturing are vital. United States territories like Puerto Rico heavily depend upon Social Security, considering the rash of factory and military base closures in recent years. Not coincidentally, such states also tend to have the highest unemployment numbers. There are lots of problems with political corruption in Puerto Rico too.

SSDI what a doctor decides

Unlike age-based programs like Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance is closely tied to medical opinion. Local medical officials do not have any reasons to stop enrollment since somebody else pays for it. In 2009, payments were around $1,064 in Social Security Disability Insurance benefits although they can be modest. David Autor works at the MA Institute of Technology as an SSDI expert. He said that regular SSDI benefits to one person can add up to about $300,000 over a lifetime.

Should we expect higher taxes shortly

Without increasing taxes, Congress could help Social Security Disability Insurance for a short time. The Social Security fund would have to be used for this. Retirees would lose benefits fairly quickly since the retirement fund would be lost. Nancy Altman is in the Social Security Works activist group. She states something has to be done about this.

“This is a program of crucial importance to every working American and his or her family,” she said.

Citations

Social Security Online

ssa.gov/disability/

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703752404576178570674769318.html

Milton Friedman on Social Security: Save your money

youtube.com/watch?v=rCdgv7n9xCY

Social Security Online

ssa.gov/disability/

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703752404576178570674769318.html

Milton Friedman on Social Security: Save your money

youtube.com/watch?v=rCdgv7n9xCY

Fewer people using credit cards but still borrowing money

Increasing quantities of individuals are borrowing money, however more people are getting personal loans instead of using credit cards. The Federal Reserve recently published data on consumer borrowing for the month of January. Borrowing increased by several billion dollars for that month, however people were mostly using non-revolving sources of credit. The report also covered use of credit cards. People are paying off their credit card debt in droves.

Consumer borrowing occurring more often leaving to higher debt amounts

Americans are borrowing cash from loan providers again, and it is reflected in the recently released report by the Federal Reserve detailing economic activity from Jan. of 2011, in accordance with Business Week. The January debt increase came from sources for instance auto loans and personal loans that are non-revolving credit sources. The revolving lines for instance credit cards weren’t the reason for this. Non-revolving debt increased by $9.26 billion, however consumer debts increased overall by an estimated $5 billion, in the fourth straight month of increasing numbers of individuals going to lenders for credit. For the sixth straight month, auto lending went up. This is what led experts to believe the increase came from auto sales, reports MSNBC.

Using credit cards less likely

Credit card use has been plummeting for some time, as the amount of debt held by Americans on credit cards declined by $4.25 billion. For the first time since Dec. 2008, charge card debt has increased in December 2010 although it went down 28 of the last 29 months. Credit card charge-offs, or debts written off by charge card businesses, declined to 7.45 percent for January 2010. Delinquencies and charge-offs have been declining for the past five consecutive months. A Dec. shopping spree was done though which credit cards seemed to be used for, although that was paid by Consumers quickly. There have been increases in charge card interest rates noted. Banks and businesses have not been able to add fees and change interest whenever they want causing them to have high interest rates and fees to start with.

More debt taken out by students

There was a $24.9 billion increase in student loans from the federal government in January 2011 as part of the non-revolving debts increase. Faster or later the students will have to borrow from private investors instead of from the government. This is because federal budget cuts will decrease capital available more than likely. The federal spending budget recently submitted by the House of Representatives cut more than $5 billion from the Pell Grant program, according to the Christian Science Monitor, though the Pell Grant program is expected to run a $20 billion deficit starting next year. When it comes to investments, a lot of people still consider college educations one of the most essential. Still, college costs have gone up a ton in past years.

Articles cited

Business Week

businessweek.com/news/2011-03-07/consumer-credit-in-u-s-increased-5-01-billion-in-january.html

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41954342/ns/business-consumer_news/

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2011/0225/Washington-trims-Pell-Grants-How-will-students-pay-fall-tuition

The 4 basics of leasing out your space

The rental market is becoming huge. Renting out any extra living space you already have is one way to make money. In fact, many people do help meet their mortgage payments by doing this. If you’re going to rent out space, you should take a few steps to protect your sanity. Source for this article – The four basics of renting out your space by MoneyBlogNewz.

1-Think about your market

Make sure you research before renting out any space. Take a look at places comparable to yours on Craigslist, online services and newspaper ads. Look at other places to see what is offered in leasing contracts. Decide how much money you have to bring in. Then, you can decide what your rental price is.

2-Make sure you understand the laws

States and cities usually have laws. These landlord/tenant laws have to be followed. Make sure you know the laws, even if it is only for one room with your house. Most areas have at least one landlord association that offers information on the fundamentals of the law. Landlord/tenant law can dictate everything from what you need to provide as part of your rental to how much notice you have to give before entering the rented area.

3-What about credit scores?

There aren't always people that have great credit. Sometimes credit is an issue. Your job as a landlord means deciding what is required for potential renters. This could contain a credit check sometimes. When looking at a credit history, it will show the history of someone's spending. This involves bill paying. You’ll end up paying between $75 and $100 whenever you run a credit rating though. A credit check is not required to rent your place out. Still, you might want to do it just to make sure the renters can pay for the place. It can be easier just to call references and check employment history.

4-Take a look at the documents with deposits and leases

Make sure you’ve the right documents to rent the place out. Both of you are protected well when documents is there. It can help prove residency and is good documentation. You can find standard rental agreements for state online or through landlord’s associations; read through the agreement carefully and make edits as you see necessary. Being the renter's friend does not mean anything. Make sure you nevertheless get a deposit. If something goes wrong — regardless how good of a friend your renter is — cleaning up after a renter moves out can be costly, and a deposit can pay for that.

Make sure the price of your place is right when considering the renter's finances and documents, even if it’s just one single room. It is very easy to get just a little bit of extra money inside your pocket every month if you do all the work.

Much more carry-on baggage means major costs for Transportation Security Administration

In accordance with the WA Post, airline passengers who do not like how much luggage check-in fees have ballooned are increasing the number carry-on baggage that must be inspected. The costs for inspecting the additional carry-ons are forcing the Transportation Security Administration to flex its spending budget to the max, which will eventually mean that taxpayers might be footing the bill. In accordance with Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, the influx of carry-on baggage is costing approximately $ 260 million per year.

More carry-on luggage demands much more safety

So long as carry-on baggage fits an airline’s parameters, travelers have the right to bring it aboard. Sen. Mary Landrieu is the Senate Appropriations subcommittee chairwoman. Napolitano said to her that nothing comes free:

“When you have to pay to check a bag, it increases carry-on luggage, and that means there is more to inspect at the gate and so forth for passengers to get on planes,” she said.

Absorbing costs is important for the TSA to continue to function. Deciding who will cover the carry-on baggage costs is important right now. It will either be the airlines or United States working class individuals. Putting higher airport safety fees on airline tickets was a suggestion Napolitano had for Sen. Landrieu. Simply adding $5 to $10 a ticket would significantly help pay for the Transportation Security Administration. Napolitano states that $600 million a year would be added this way.

Decision from Congress on airport security fees hasn't come through yet

It is not new to put on an airport safety fee. Everyone has dealt with them. Annually it is proposed. It first started in 2002. However, Congress has not approved the airline ticket cost increase. The first profitable year since 2007 for the airline industry was reported due to fewer flights, higher ticket prices and other charges. Government estimates place 2011 airline profits at $5 billion and $5.6 billion in 2012. Perhaps Congress doesn’t want to push its luck with much more fees.

Luggage policies for economy air carriers

Check the baggage policies of your airline. You will want to know this before you get to the gate. It is really essential to know what is free and what costs money. Make sure you keep up with this. Generally wheelchairs will not count towards luggage and are free. Certain airlines allow children’s strollers for free without counting as part of the baggage allowance. Most don't allow extremely heavy baggage. This counts anything over 100 pounds. Most economy air carriers have these baggage policies:

• Southwest- Two checked bags up to 50 pounds each are free. Extra and oversized luggage ranges from $25 to much more than $100.
• JetBlue- One bag weighing 50 pounds or less might be checked for free. The second checked bag costs $50. Up to a 40-pound carry-on luggage piece is also free. One can be checked for free. Excess or oversized pieces run $50 to $100.
• Virgin America- First checked bag costs $25 and may weigh up to 70 pounds. Subsequent check-ins up to 50 pounds is $25. Excess and oversized bags run $10 to $50 each.

Articles cited

About.com Air Travel

airtravel.about.com/od/whatyoucancantpack/a/stuff2.htm

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/03/AR2011030305679.html?wprss=rss_print/asection

Cenk Uygur vs. Ana Kasperian on carry-on luggage

youtube.com/watch?v=vrM2eOnheo0

Gasoline prices unlikely influenced by using United States oil reserve

The U.S. strategic oil reserve is being eyed by some members of Congress as a remedy to increasing gas and oil prices. The United States has an abundance of oil and gasoline on hand apart from the strategic reserve, yet some lawmakers think an additional infusion of supply will lower prices. Gas costs haven’t risen high enough yet to tap the reserve, according to the administration, which contends that such a move would send further panic through international oil markets.

The reason Congress would like this/span>

The largest oil reserve in the world is the United States strategic petroleum reserve. About 727 million barrels of oil are in there. Nationwide, the average price of a gallon of gas has risen 28 cents in the past 10 days. Selling a part of the strategic oil reserve was suggested by Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., as the chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He said this would help keep oil costs stabilized. Other politicians are saying that in addition to tempering upward pressure on gas prices, selling some of the strategic oil reserve would raise billions of dollars for deficit reduction and help fund programs to reduce United States oil consumption, such as tax breaks for electric vehicles and hybrids.

United States not running low on oil/span>

The Obama administration objects to tapping the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve as a response to the current spike in gas and oil costs, even though its 2012 spending budget proposal calls for selling $500 million worth of oil from the reserve to fund certain programs. What the administration believes is that, when the U.S. is not at all running short on oil, it would send a panic that is false to customers. A major oil storage facility in OK that supplies the interior U.S. has record inventories. From Canada, the United States is getting gasoline while North Dakota is beginning to produce. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that there is an abundance of oil in the crude oil inventories. It has reached 346.4 million barrels. U.S. gasoline inventories are at 9.86 billion gallons. Both inventories are at above-average levels for this time of year.

Solving the oil and gas price problem/span>

The Obama administration is making a good decision, oil industry analysts suggest. It would make individuals driving up the gasoline prices more fearful while doing nothing else to oil and gasoline prices. The supply of oil is not the problem, many suggest. They think a shortage of surplice production capacity is the issue everybody is facing. Continuing troubles in the Middle East will be the issue. The surplus oil production will stop. Without a surplus oil production capacity, there are many issues. The real troubles with oil price would begin. The oil markets will be better if the capacity to produce oil settles instead of attempting to temporarily stop the problem.

Information from/span>

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/03/04/business/energy-environment/04oil.html?_r=1

Foreign Policy

oilandglory.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/03/04/the_weekly_wrap_march_4_2011

UPI

upi.com/Business_News/2011/03/03/Crude-oil-supplies-fall-slightly/UPI-22221299189942/

Large businesses present wish list for consumer finance legislation

Big business has July 21, 2011, circled in the calendar. That’s the day the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will officially be the United States consumer finance regulatory board of the land. According to CNN Money, expectations have led big business to appeal to the Obama administration with a "wish list" letter of hopes for how ongoing consumer finance regulation will unfold. While focusing on bank regulation is considered a top priority, the notion of the CFPB proposing new financial reform before confirming a director is unpopular.

Chances CFPB director can be Warren

Elizabeth Warren is a candidate to direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as she, as an Obama administration advisor and Harvard University professor, came up with the idea. Warren is extremely for the consumer and against Wall Street though. This makes Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act co-founder, think that she wouldn't be a good choice. Warren has had to meet bank executives, lobbyists, chambers of commerce, consumer groups and investors while getting the agency staffed even though this is the case.

“They were wary, but polite, and quite surprised,” Warren said Monday of the meetings. “Some were sure I’d walk in with blood dripping from my fangs.”

Request of big businesses

In order to keep away from burdensome or regulatory duplication, business groups are clamoring for the CFPB to approach banking and finance legislation with laser-like precision. Already Dodd-Frank is too ambiguous, Jess Sharp told CNN as the director of the United States Chamber of commerce Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must do more.

“Targeted regulation to weed out bad actors is good for consumers, but there’s huge and ambiguous authority granted under Dodd-Frank,” Sharp said. “That can lead to huge regulatory burdens for Main Street businesses.”

The CFPB would be able to supervise all of the corporations besides financial institution with Dodd-Frank such as payday cash advance companies. The Obama administration got a letter from business groups though. Obviously they do not like this idea.

“Deferring an expansion of supervision and examination requirements would allow businesses to devote resources to job creation rather than save them to cover what might well be unnecessary regulatory compliance costs,” the letter reads.

Charge card business praise

Warren was happy with the credit card industry, reports Charge card Studio, because of their own measures taken to improve customer/credit card business relationships even though there’s a lot the mortgage industry still needs to do. Regulations from CFPB are probably not needed. This was another thing mentioned.

“The data we have assembled indicates that much of the industry has gone further than the law requires in curbing repricing and over-limit fees,” Warren said. “Leaders in the industry deserve credit for moving in the right direction.”

Articles cited

Advisor One

advisorone.com/article/deputy-secretary-wolin-outlines-treasurys-steps-implementing-dodd-frank?page=0,1

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/03/01/news/economy/chamber_consumer_bureau/

Credit Card Studio

creditcardsstudio.com/news-article/the-card-act-one-year-later/

The CFPB: Arresting the development of a new financial meltdown

youtube.com/watch?v=1V0Ax9OIc84

Libya to receive sanctions as United States shuts down embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Libya has closed, because of increasing physical violence and instability in the North African nation. The regime of Gadhafi is fast losing its grip of the country. Deadly reprisals in opposition to Libyans have done little to quell demonstrations against his rule of more than four decades. Economic sanctions will increase in opposition to Libya until the situation is resolved. Article resource – US embassy in Tripoli shuttered with Libya sanctions pending by MoneyBlogNewz.

Chaos in Tripoli during Gadhafi's rule

It has been really hard to handle Libya for dictator Moammar Gadhafi that everybody wants to leave. In fact, the battleground for control of the country is occurring in Tripoli. Gadhafi loyal army members are firing upon protesters and keeping the place dangerous. Still, protesters refuse to leave when their lives are in danger. A chartered ferry was used to get embassy personnel out of Tripoli as the U.S. State Department has stopped all American Embassy operations, says Reuters. This is due to the protests going on in the country. Most workers have been evacuated already even though the embassy is still open.

Considering sanctions in opposition to Libya right now

The White House has affirmed that economic sanctions could be levied against Libya, in response to the brutal tactics used by Moammar Gadhafi in addressing the unrest in the country he has ruled for more than four decades. These sanctions will be considered in a meeting with Obama and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, CNN states. All U.S. cooperation with military has been cut off from Libya already. Obama has previously been criticized for taking too soft a stance on the situation in Libya.

Gadhafi should leave, international leaders recommend

The New York Times states that International leaders have been asking that Colonel Gadhafi quit. President of France Sarkozy said that Gadhafi needs to resign while "the world will hold you to account" was what British Prime Minister David Cameron had to say. Gadhafi is going to "die a martyr" before leaving. This is what he has said, that he will not be alive when he leaves if it takes place.

Articles cited

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/02/25/us-libya-usa-idUSTRE71K6D520110225?pageNumber=1

CNN

cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/25/libya.us.reaction/

NY Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/26/world/middleeast/26diplomacy.html

Canadian government examining use of Agent Orange on trees

The Canadian government used Agent Orange in its forestry program as late as the 1980s, in accordance with a Toronto Star study. The herbicide Agent Orange is infamous as a chemical warfare agent that was utilized by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Numerous scientific studies have shown Agent Orange to be a reason for genetic defects upon people situated in the areas dispersed.

The Agent Orange story

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. military did use Agent Orange on Vietcong enemy forces hidden in trees and vegetation in Operation Ranch Hand, which was the operation code-name. Agent Orange is a mixture of two phenoxyl herbicides in iso-octyl ester form.

Anyone uncovered could have had various forms of cancer, nerve, digestive, skin and respiratory disorders. Some of the U.S. veterans ended up getting dispersed with this at the time. At least 3 million in Vietnam, including 150,000 kids, were affected in birth defects and genetic disorders, states the Vietnam Red Cross. Several other children were stillborn as a result of parental exposure to Agent Orange.

Worker gets it too, claims Star

Archived documents referenced in the Toronto Star Agent Orange investigation expose that Canada began to dump the herbicide from World War II-era planes onto birch and maple timber and shrubs that needed to be cleared. There was a rise in cancer, birth defects and troubles with food and water according to the Star study, since Forest workers got exposed. In the 1950s, there was not enough research on Agent Orange done yet to know the chemical was dangerous. Canada started to use Agent Orange to remove plants.

Canadian Provincial Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne has promised that there could be an official government inquiry to the nation’s usage of Agent Orange, states BBC News.

"I don’t have the specific information on how much of it was used by the ministry of transportation, but the independent panel will look at that and we’ll work closely with them," Wynne told Canadian media.

Details from

BBC

bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12573599

The Star

thestar.com/news/canada/article/940243–star-exclusive-agent-orange-soaked-ontario-teens

U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs

publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/

Agent Orange: Death to Weeds

youtube.com/watch?v=2EaqwRtjVEM

Congressmen possibly target of Psyops procedures

The Pentagon has launched a study into a possible misuse of “psyops” by military personnel. Psyops, or psychological operations, were possibly used on members of the United States Congress that visited Afghanistan. Psychological procedures are techniques of psychological and emotional manipulation used by the United States army. They consist of disinformation and propaganda. These techniques were allegedly used to persuade members of Congress to be able to get more military financing.

Rolling Stone states military official ordered psyops on Americans

A scathing article in a recent issue of Rolling Stone says members of the military were ordered to use “psyops,” or psychological operations, techniques to persuade members of Congress visiting military outposts in Afghanistan to give the army more financing and additional personnel, according to MSNBC. There are accusations that Lieutenant General William Caldwell ordered a study of Congressmen visiting in 2009 by a psyops team. This was done so as to find a way to get more army troops and financing there based on how best to convince them. The order was refused by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Holmes who is the head of the psyops unit. This got him in a lot of trouble.

Study started by Petraeus

A study was started. This was done by Afghan procedures commander, General David Petraeus. The Washington Post reports that the accusations are "categorically denied" by Lt. Gen. Caldwell. Citizens of the United States aren't legally allowed to have "psyops" or propaganda used on them. It’s something all Intelligence Operations personnel know very well. There were specific Congressmen targeted for this. It involved Senators Al Franken, Carl Levin, Joe Lieberman, Jack Reed and John McCain. Representative Steve Israel, a member of the Armed Forces Committee, and Admiral Mike Mullen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were also possible targets.

Exact same reporter profiled General McChrystal

Michael Hastings wrote the Rolling Stone article. He said that the job was to “get the enemy to behave the way we want,” and Holmes said “when you ask me to use these skills on senators and congressmen you are crossing a line," for Lt. Col. Holmes. The enemy is the only one that propaganda and psychological manipulation is allowed on, he explained, which everyone in the Information Procedures field learn about. McChrystal left the Army last year because of another article written on General Stanley McChrystal by Hastings.

Information from

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41753749/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia

Washington Post

voices.washingtonpost.com/blog-post/2011/02/psychological_operations_manip.html

Rolling Stone

rollingstone.com/politics/news/another-runaway-general-army-deploys-psy-ops-on-u-s-senators-20110223?page=1

Secured credit cards are one road to credit repair

If you’re looking to apply for a mortgage or automotive loan, it helps to have a clean credit score. If you do not, you will find credit repair steps you can take. Although it can be expensive, using a secured credit card with an original deposit requirement can help rebuild a credit rating so that large-scale loans are no longer out of reach. Here are some things to consider before applying for a secured credit card.

How to work a secured charge card

Getting a secured credit card is not too difficult. Get an active savings account as collateral before this though. The secured credit will have a limit typically of the amount that is in the savings account. It could be smaller though. The issuer of the card will take money out if you are delinquent. You have to be 30 to 60 days delinquent though. Once bills on the secured credit card are paid on time for six months to a year, the credit rating may have recovered enough to where unsecured charge card choices that require no upfront collateral become accessible.

Requirements for issuer to report

If the issuer of your secured credit card does not file with the major credit reporting agencies, the card can’t help you. Making payments on time is essential to credit. It will rebuild your credit quickly. Keep in mind that a secured charge card will have an rate of interest and grace period, so it pays to shop around for the best terms. You can go to bankrate.com for help. This can help compare your choices. You might have a savings account that earns lots of interest. In this case, you will be well on your way to fixing credit.

The fees that are there

Two major but often unavoidable drawbacks to secured charge cards are upfront and annual charges. An annual fee will not be too terrible since a secured credit card won't be something you'll need forever although the upfront charges of $100 or more could be hard. It is possible to get a card without upfront fees. This can be something only many people with specific credit ratings will qualify for though.

Every month, keep away from using the secured credit card more than necessary. You’ll want to spend less than 30 percent of the credit limit each month while paying the balance each month in full can help.

Articles cited

Bank Rate

bankrate.com/funnel/credit-cards/credit-card-results.aspx?classificationuid=13&childcategoryid=837&childcategory=Secured%20Cards

Fox Business

foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/02/22/secured-credit-cards-6-tips-applying-using/

Rebuilding credit can be an expensive path

youtube.com/watch?v=kSHKw3-5Ne0

LinkedIn Initial Public Offering endangered by Chinese censorship

After LinkedIn users brought up the subject of revolt in the Arab world, the Chinese government censored the website. Discussions about Arab world protests on LinkedIn attracted the attention of Chinese censors, who abruptly shut the website down. China’s censorship of LinkedIn comes as the network prepares for an Initial Public Offering that could possibly be endangered by a denial of presence in China.

LinkedIn not approved in China which means a fight against the Good Firewall

China’s notorious “Great Firewall” has censored LinkedIn as part of a broader effort by the Beijing government to suppress dissent provoked by protests in the Middle East. Facebook and Twitter are other sites that have been obstructed in China. These have been blocked since 2009. Any self-censored social networking sites are allowed by China. Chinese individuals have already known what Chinese officials have just figured out. LinkedIn is totally integrated with Twitter which isn't good. Subversive communications might be easily distributed through Twitter using the LinkedIn portal.

Why China censored LinkedIn

China censored LinkedIn after a user launched a discussion group last week asking for input on how the wave of unrest that ousted dictators in Tunisia and Egypt could reach China. The LinkedIn user, “Jazmine Z” first wrote of “dying for democracy, freedom and justice in my homeland." A post that followed said the Beijing government fails to "realize the crisis of the autocratic one-party system." The Chinese communist party was attacked in a last post before being censored where it was called “a Power and elite club.” Before LinkedIn was obstructed, there was lots of other stuff censored by the Chinese government. It is clear the government is worried about the Middle Eastern Jasmine Revolution making its way into China.

LinkedIn Initial Public Offering threatened

If Chinese censorship of LinkedIn becomes more than a symbolic gesture, the company’s planned Initial Public Offering could be threatened. LinkedIn hopes to raise $175 million in an IPO either on the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange. Exclusion from the Chinese Internet industry — the world’s largest with about 450 million users and counting — would lead investors to question LinkedIn’s future growth and profits. The price that investors would be willing to pay for shares of a LinkedIn censored in China would have to be taken into account.

Articles cited

CNN

cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/02/25/china.blocks.linkedin.fastco/index.html?npt=NP1

Business Week

businessweek.com/news/2011-02-25/linkedin-blocked-in-china-after-jasmine-protest-postings.html

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/02/24/china-linkedin-idUSTOE71N06P20110224

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/02/24/china-linkedin-idUSTOE71N06P20110224

Scientists discover link between cell phones and brain cells

Can cell phones fry your brain? A brand new study suggests they might. The research found an increase in brain cell metabolism in regions of the brain closest to the cellular phone antenna. Scientists confirmed that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones has an impact on brain cells, however not if the effects are harmful.

Mobile phone brain cell study first done

On Tuesday, the first study on how electromagnetic radiation from cell phones impacts the cells in the brain was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The research focused on how cell phone use impacts normal brain cell function, known as glucose metabolism. Researchers found that exposure to cell phones increases the rate of glucose metabolism in brain cells more than they expected. Brain activity is a result of cells using glucose to create energy. Glucose is produced as needed in the brain. The study suggests that cell phone use stimulates glucose metabolism artificially, but further investigation is required to determine whether elevated amounts of glucose metabolism damage brain cells.

Brain cancer due to cellular phone usage?

Cellular phone radiation from frequent calling has concerned medical experts for years. Previous test results have been inconclusive. Nothing has been found before. A link with brain cancer was found in famous cellular phone radiation studies. There wasn't any proof though. There was no way to link the brain cancer with the mobile phone use. DNA mutations or other mutations that end up causing cancer and dementia are things that scientists have tried to link mobile phone radiation to though. Another huge concern is the amount of use a child has with a cellular phone. The problem is the radiation penetrates deeper into the brain of a child with the thinner skull making brain cells metabolize glucose even faster.

Using speakerphone is a good idea

In a statement responding to the mobile phone brain cell study, the Wireless Association said scientific evidence proves that cellular phones, used within limits established by the FCC, don’t pose a public health risk. Study authors suggest that speaker phone and Bluetooth earpieces should be used until more is known on how mobile phone radiation affects the brain.

Citations

CNN

cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/22/cell.phone.brain.activity/

Web MD

webmd.com/brain/news/20110222/cell-phones-affect-brain-but-does-it-matter?page=2

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704071304576160652541652440.html